COVID-19 Related Updates: What You Need to Know

Your Health and Safety Are Our First Concern

At Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, our No. 1 priority is the health and safety of our visitors and locals. So we ask that everyone does a few simple things every time they go out into the community, so that we can ensure that people stay safe and our local businesses and economy remain open and thriving. #1: Be patient and kind. Some businesses may be requiring face coverings, so come prepared and respect any safety protocols in place; #2 stay a safe distance from others who aren't in your traveling group; and #3 wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. 

St. Pete/Clearwater Guidelines & Status by Business Type

Our local beaches, attractions, museums and businesses are open, with specific recommendations in place for health and safety. Find the details below. 

Beaches: Open

Beaches throughout St. Pete/Clearwater are open. Parking lots and restrooms are also open. CDC safety recommendations are to keep six feet or more between you and others who are not in your family or group. Though you are not required to wear a mask, it's a good idea to bring one to wear in areas such as the concession stand line or public bathrooms, where it's more difficult to keep your distance from others. Before you head to one of St. Pete/Clearwater's beautiful beaches, please read our helpful tips on visiting the beach responsibly. You may also want to consider choosing a quieter beach where you will have more room to spread out. You'll find great options in our Best Hidden Gem Beaches story.

Community and Hotel/Resort Pools: Open

Hotel and resort pools are open without capacity restrictions. Community, apartment, condo and other pools are also open without restrictions. 

Resorts, Hotels & Motels: Open

Resorts, hotels and motels are open.  If you choose to stay at a hotel or motel, be aware that new health and safety protocols are likely to be in place, with extra-thorough cleaning of public areas and guest rooms, as well as physical distancing measures on-property. Some may have additional safety measures in play, such as "grab-and-go" breakfast (rather than lobby continental breakfast), limited elevator capacity (please practice patience and wait your turn) or limited housekeeping, to reduced the amount of time staff members are in guest rooms.

Vacation Rentals: Open

St. Pete/Clearwater vacation rentals are accepting reservations and check-ins. Property owners and managers are expected to follow safety and sanitation measures necessary during this time. Airbnb and similar companies have enhanced safety protocols and cleaning protocals that are required of all properties in their programs.

Restaurants: Open

Restaurants are open for dine-in, patio dining, take-out and curbside pickup service, at their own discretion. Many restaurants are positioning chairs and tables so that dining parties are separated by at least six feet. Some local restaurants have expanded their outdoor space to accommodate more diners in the open air.

Breweries & Bars: Open

Bars and breweries are open.

Nightclubs: Open

At this time, nightclubs are open, though some may choose not to do so. 

Parks & Preserves: Open

Pinellas County parks are open. In addition, state parks in St. Pete/Clearwater - Honeymoon Island, Anclote Key, Caladesi Island and the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Piers are also open. City parks in St. Pete/Clearwater are open.

Some parks may have limited hours and/or amenities. For example, parks with nature or interpretive centers may choose not to open them at this time. Please check online or call for the specific status of a park you'd like to visit before heading out.

Professional Sports - Permitted

Large spectator sporting events are permitted, but some are operating with restricted capacity.

Entertainment Businesses: Open

Entertainment businesses such as bowling alleys, arcades, movie theaters, concert halls, playhouses and auditoriums are allowed to operate at full capacity.

Other Businesses and Community Institutions that are Open 

These businesses are open at full capacity.

• Retail stores 
• Museums
• Libraries
• Gyms, fitness centers, yoga and dance studios
• Public playgrounds
• Personal services businesses, such as nail salons, barbershops, hair salons, cosmetology specialty salons, tattoo services and massage services. These services must follow safety guidelines outlined by the Department of Health.

Transportation Updates

• St. Pete Looper Trolley PSTA has restored service on all routes, including the South Clearwater Beach Jolley Trolley, the downtown St. Petersburg Looper, and the Central Avenue trolley which runs from downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach. All rides are free. Passengers are required to wear face masks while aboard.
• Clearwater Beach Jolley Trolley: Service includes 7 day/week service on two routes from Clearwater mainland to the Beach plus service to North Coastal cities of Dunedin and Tarpon Springs. All rides are free. Masks are required and there is a 12-passenger limit to encourage physical distancing. Visit clearwaterjolleytrolley.com or psta.net websites for updates.
• PSTA All bus routes are operating regular service. All rides are free. Boarding is requested through the rear doors. Mask are required and there is a 12-passenger limit to encourage physical distancing. All service ends at 10 p.m. Visit psta.net for updates.
• Clearwater Ferry Water Taxi Services. Limited capacity of 10 guests per run. Both the Clearwater and Dunedin routes are running Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are required for all routes to limit contact and ensure your spot. 
• Caladesi Island Connection Ferry Service. Open every day at 9 a.m. from the dock on Honeymoon Island.
• Both Tampa International Aiport (TPA) and St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport (PIE) have enhanced cleaning and safety protocols in place. Get all the details on both airports here.